Ultimate Guide to MPRE Prep

Basic Information

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is a standardized exam that has been adopted in every US jurisdiction except for Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) administers the exam. It is separate from the bar exam, but still required for admission to these state bars.

Which jurisdictions use the MPRE?

All jurisdictions except for Wisconsin and Puerto Rico require the MPRE exam.

MPRE Review Course

MPRE Exam Pass Rates

Scores needed to pass the MPRE vary by jurisdiction. The lowest score needed to pass the MPRE is 75, the highest is 86. Because of this, the National Bar Examiners do not report MPRE pass rates nationwide. The following charts show how many test takers scored at least 80 on the MPRE. This is not the exact pass rate, but it is a good estimate of how many people usually pass.

March 2017 (20,260 takers)

August 2017 (17,326 takers)

November 2017 (20,798 takers)

MPRE Format

What’s the format of the MPRE?

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) tests your understanding of established standards of conduct for lawyers. The MPRE is administered three times each year (in March, August, and October). The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is two hours long.

The test will be taken on a computer. There are computer simulations available by the test administrators that can help you get used to test conditions.

It will be given on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. For each cycle, there will be two potential MPRE test dates to choose from. You can take this exam before the bar, while you are still in law school.

MPRE Scores and Grading

Individual jurisdictions determine their own passing score. The lowest passing score is 75 and the highest passing score is 86, the requirement in Utah and California.

See MPRE passing scores for each jurisdiction:

75

77

80

85

86

AL

SC

AK

AZ

CA

DC

CT

AK

UT

GA

FL

CO

KY

IL

DE

MS

IN

HI

NH

IA

ID

NJ

KS

MA

OK

LA

MI

PA

MD

MN

TN

MO

NE

PW

MT

NV

NM

NY

NC

ND

RI

OH

VT

OR

WV

SD

GU

TX

MP

VA

WA

WY

FAQ

How much does it cost to take the MPRE?

There is a $135 registration fee for the MPRE.

How do you register for the MPRE?

First, create an NCBE account, which will create a unique NCBE Number allowing you to then register with the state board of bar examiners. Applicants with qualifying disabilities can apply for accommodations. Each jurisdiction sets its own registrations deadlines, so make sure to check your state board’s website for deadlines.

How do you transfer your MPRE score to another jurisdiction?

MPRE scores can be transferred between jurisdictions. The NCBE provides MPRE score services that will allow you to transfer the scores between jurisdictions for a $25 fee.

When do MPRE scores expire? What’s the time limit for transferring your MPRE score to another MPRE jurisdiction?

Each jurisdiction sets their own expiration dates for MPRE scores. The time limit will vary.